FAQs
What gear and tools do I need to bring with me?
That depends on what you feel like bringing. I send out a tool list once you have signed up for a workshop that covers everything from the essentials like safety gear (glass, hearing protection and gloves) to bale elevators and power tools! The list of required tools and gear is small; however, if you think it would benefit the class, you are welcome to bring any tools and gear you like.
What happens if I need to cancel my deposit?
The deposit is non-refundable. In most cases, if something comes up that forces you to back out of a workshop, I will transfer the deposit to another workshop date and location as long as that workshop takes place within the current or next season.
What happens if I need to cancel after I have paid my full tuition?
As mentioned above, the deposit is non-refundable. Your final tuition payment is refundable until the last four weeks prior to the workshop at which point it too becomes non-refundable. In most cases, if something comes up that forces you to back out of a workshop, I will transfer the deposit and tuition to another workshop date and location as long as that workshop takes place within the current or next season.
What happens if not enough participants sign up for the workshop?
This pretty much never happens, but I’m asked the question a lot nonetheless. If that were to happen then I would cancel the workshop and would refund your deposit. This is the one situation in which the “non-refundable deposit” becomes refundable. It should be noted that we reserve the right to cancel a workshop without any prior notification. Of course, that doesn’t benefit anyone, so our goal is never to do that. To give you an idea, the average number of participants in each workshop in 2011 was 24 and 20 is technically “full.”
I want to buy my airline ticket, at what point does it make sense for me to do so?
Airline tickets are less expensive, in most cases, the earlier you buy them so I understand the desire to buy early. That said, I recommend that people buy their tickets no earlier than 30 days prior to the start of the workshop.
I have special food requirements. Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
Absolutely. The hosts work really hard to provide delicious and healthy meals for us, so the easier we can make their job, the better; however, we are able to accommodate special dietary needs in most cases (Celiac Disease, lactose intolerance, peanut allergy, etc…). As I recently said to a class, this doesn’t mean though, “I don’t like Brussel Sprouts”! Be sure to let me know as soon as possible what requirements you have.
I have mobility challenges. Can I still come?
Absolutely. The level of work performed on the site is entirely up to you. I have had people come and limit their physical work to sweeping up the site and tidying up. That plays a very important role in the workshop and is more helpful than you might imagine. What’s more, I’ve had participants who were only able to watch the entire process, without any hands-on work. They learned a ton and had a great time.
I’d like to bring my dog. Is that okay?
That depends on the individual hosts and the site location. In most cases, we ask that dogs stay at home.
I’d love to bring my kids. Are they welcome?
Kids are welcome to join us! I ask that the parents/guardians pay for their food (assuming they will be eating with us) so that it’s not an extra financial burden for the hosts. The fee is $50 for kids 10 & under and $100 for everyone over 10. I do require that the parents/guardians take full responsibility for the kids and their safety. Keep in mind, it is a construction site and therefore inherently dangerous. I trust parents/guardians will make the choice appropriate for their kids.
Do I have to stay on site and camp? I’d prefer to stay in a local hotel.
You are welcome to stay on site or at a hotel. It’s up to you.
I want to bring a friend or family member who won’t participate in the class. Is that okay?
In most cases, that’s fine. Once again, I ask that the non participating person pay for their food: $100 for those over 10 years of age and $50 for those 10 and under. In some cases, there will not be enough space in the class for the person to attend as the hosts sometimes “max out” in terms of food preparation numbers so please ask me ahead of time.
Can I arrive a day early to get set up before the class starts?
You are most welcome to arrive the day prior to the workshop and stay a day after if that helps your travel plans.
Win A FREE Workshop!
Sign up to enter
FREE 7 Day E-Course
Sign up Today!
